12 Tips for Improving Brain Functioning

1. Eliminate Toxins
Limit exposure to substances known to be toxic to brain functioning such as harsh chemicals, pesticides, preservatives and other additives; trans fats, processed and junk foods; plastic, Teflon and other toxins in food containers, pots, pans and utensils; and electromagnetic frequencies, cigarette smoke, and air and water pollution.
2. Detox Regularly
Because it is impossible to avoid exposure to toxins all together, it is important to help your body's natural detoxification process. Drink plenty of water and exercise daily to the point of breaking a sweat. Saunas, steam rooms, detox diets, colonics and adding 2 cups Epson salt, 1 cup baking soda and a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath water can help draw impurities out of your body.
3. Heal Allergies and Intolerances
Food allergies and intolerances can cause improper brain functioning. Eliminating those substances can restore a healthy brain. The most common allergies or intolerances include dairy, wheat and gluten, sugar, soy, corn, eggs and peanuts.
4. Treat Addictions
Many people tend to be addicted to substances their bodies may be allergic or intolerant to. Some of the most toxic substances to our brains include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, and prescription and street drugs. Addiction to these substances is often difficult to overcome without professional help.
5. Eat More Brain Foods
Foods that benefit your brain include good fats like omega-3 and lean proteins, which are full of amino acids that give you brain power. Complex carbohydrates, which help balance your blood sugar, and phytonutriants, which are full of antioxidants that reduce inflammation, are found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Go Organic
Reports show that even after washing, many fruits and vegetables still carry much higher pesticide residue than others. The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) has put together a list of fruits and vegetables it calls the "dirty dozen," which are advised to buy only if organically grown. Apples, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, bell peppers, celery, potatoes and spinach are on this list. Other recommended foods include milk, beef and poultry.
7. Take Supplements
Research suggests that the Standard American Diet (SAD) leaves 92 percent of Americans deficient in basic nutrients. As such, most of us should be taking a good multivitamin, omega-3, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, B-complex, digestive enzymes and probiotics.
8. Exercise Your Mind/Body
You know the saying, "if you don't use it, you lose it." Regular exercise of both your mind and body is important to maintaining and improving brain functioning.
9. Learn to "Chill-lax"
Learn to elicit "the relaxation response" for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes daily. Stress has a major negative impact on our health. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, guided imagery, yoga, biofeedback, or massage can help you de-stress and "chill-lax."
10. Get Enough Sleep
Many Americans are not only nutritionally deficient, but sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation can significantly affect brain functioning. Most adults need a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Children need 10 to 12 hours.
11. Laugh More Often
Laughter helps to stimulate the production of a variety of neurotransmitters. Watch funny movies, go to a comedy club or try a laughter yoga class.
12. Make Happiness a Habit
Happiness is a choice that has positive effects on the brain as well as our overall health and well-being. Studies suggest that people who choose to "see life through rose-colored glasses" have higher levels of the body's natural killer cells and better immune functioning, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and better higher cortical functioning.